IMPHAL, Feb 13: Former Director of National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, Dr Ratan Thiyam has said that it is high time for the people as well as the authorities to discuss ways to safeguard and protect the indigenous people of Manipur instead of debating/discussing on past issues.Speaking on the second day of the silver jubilee celebration of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) at MSFDS auditorium hall, Konung Lampak today, he claimed that the Meitei community is currently at an uncertain stage.He also opined that although many claim to love Manipur and various praises have been sung for the State by the media, there is little to no evidence or proof to suggest that these are true patriotic feelings for the State.Ratan Thiyam stated that the Meitei community is living as second class citizens in the country and the entire community will vanish after it gets swept away by the impacts of globalization.He conveyed that the only way to save the Meitei community is through preservation of culture and tradition.It would not be right to view culture as only ethnic dance and songs. Culture is how the people behave with one another, the rules governing the particular society, the discipline followed by the people and their ethics, he added. Pointing out that AMUCO has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the State for the last 25 years, Ratan Thiyam said that the most important thing for AMUCO now is to plan ahead and analyse which project to spearhead for the welfare of the people.It is high time for the think tank of the association to come up with ways to attract and guide the youth, he added.On the other hand, AMUCO president Ph Deban Sharma said that every step taken by the association is based on the feedback and the advice of the people of the State. AMUCO has never taken up any step with vested interest or any hidden agenda, he added.AMUCO has been guarding the rich history of the State, its land and its natural grandeur and will continue doing so with the support from the people.The president conveyed that the association has not been able to establish proper communication with the Manipuris who have settled in various parts of the North East as well as Bangladesh but it will be possible with full support from the people.Integrated Manipuri Association, Bangladesh, finance secretary, Y Nirpendra Singha, Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur, general secretary, Professor L Sadananda, Patriotic Writers’s Forum, Tripura, president, G Biplab Sharma, Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hojai, president, Thangjam Birendra, Editors’ Guild Manipur, president A Mobi and Film Forum Manipur, chairman, S Mangoljao attended the event as the presidium members.Numerous cultural programmes belonging to various communities of the State as well as performances by the artistes of Film Forum Manipur were also showcased as a part of the function.